The Charlotte Hornets and rising forward Miles Bridges were in talks of a new deal after the former Michigan State Spartans posted career-highs in points (20.2), rebounds (7.0) and assists (3.8) during the 2021-22 NBA season.
Bridges is one of team owner Michael Jordan’s cornerstone building blocks in the Queen City. And although the team has been bounced in the new playoff play-in tournament in consecutive seasons, the marked improvement in the team each season was evident, and Bridges has been a key piece of the changes occurring in Charlotte.
For his efforts the freakishly athletic do-it-all wing was set to cash in during free agency with a max-deal or very close to one.
But that all came to a screeching halt the day before free agency began as Bridges was arrested on charges of felony domestic violence and child abuse.
On Tuesday he was formally charged on those exact counts, one day ahead of a scheduled court appearance. This series of the unfortunate events have put a serious dark cloud over his basketball future, and quite possibly his freedom.
L.A. District Attorney George Gascon had this to say about the charges levied against Bridges.
“Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors. Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable. Mr. Bridges will be held accountable for his actions and our Bureau of Victim Services will support the survivors through this difficult process.”
The Hornets organization released it’s own statement on Tuesday in regards to the matter.
“We are aware of the charges that were filed today against Miles Bridges. These are very serious charges that we will continue to monitor. As this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Felony charges filed against Charlotte Hornets' Miles Bridges for domestic violence, child abuse – via @ESPN App https://t.co/we82ydbr93
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 20, 2022
The NBA also released a statement on this very serious matter.
“We are aware of the charges filed today against Miles Bridges. The league is investigating the allegations.”
Bridges’ Wife Makes Plea For Help
On July 1st, the wife of Bridges, Michelle Johnson, posted pics of graphic bodily harm she says was caused by her husband. In a social media post accompanied by those graphic images, Johnson had this to say.
“I hate that is has come to this but I can’t be silent anymore. I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won’t allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint a picture of someone I’m not.
Miles Bridges’ wife Mychelle Johnson: pic.twitter.com/BHcvbpWD0H
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2022
Johnson continued:
“I won’t allow the people around him to continue to silence me and continue to lie to protect this person. It’s unethical, it’s immoral, it’s truly SICK. It hurts my heart because I’ve always had hope, and so much love and as scary as this is for me to do it’s time I stand up for myself.
“I won’t be silent to protect others anymore because I value myself and my kids more than anyone’s image …. a fractured nose, wrist, torn eardrum, torn muscles in my neck from being choked until I went to sleep and a severe concussion.
“I don’t need sympathy, I just don’t want this happening to anyone else, I just want the person to get help, my kids deserve better. That’s all I want. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly I’m scared and hurting for my kids who were witness to everything. Please respect my family’s privacy and stop with the disgusting rumors and allegations.”
Hornets Never Rescinded Bridges Offer
Bridges turned down a four-year, $60 million extension prior to the season, as he chose to bet on himself. His play was magnificent and he was set to cash out.
With the Hornets extending the qualifying offer in order to protect themselves in case another team signed him to a restricted free agent deal, they’d then have 48 hours to match the offer.
Qualifying offers are put in place to keep the player, as he and the team work toward a bigger deal. With Bridges’ legal troubles the Hornets never rescinded the deal, meaning he’s still under team control as a restricted free agent.
"Miles Bridges is not being offered a max contract by the Charlotte Hornets right now, so he's gonna go out into the marketplace and see if he can get that offer from somebody else."
– @WindhorstESPN on the Hornets' restricted free agent.pic.twitter.com/FbSxBunytq
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 27, 2022
From the looks of things, it seems as if the Hornets are gonna let the justice system play out before they decide the fate of Bridges.
